Description

 The Ford Model T Coupe was one of the more refined body styles offered on the famous “Tin Lizzie,” designed for customers who wanted the practicality and reliability of the Model T in a closed, weather-protected form. Introduced in the mid-1910s and continuing through the 1920s, the Coupe appealed particularly to urban drivers, professionals, and middle-class buyers who wanted something sturdier and more comfortable than the open Runabout or Touring models.

The Coupe featured a fully enclosed two-passenger body with fixed doors, windows, and a roof—an important step toward making motoring a year-round activity. Early versions were upright and formal in appearance, with tall proportions and carriage-like styling, while later versions became lower, sleeker, and more modern as automotive design evolved in the 1920s. Interiors were simple but offered more comfort than the open cars, with upholstered seats and greater protection from wind, dust, and rain.

Mechanically, the Model T Coupe was identical to other versions of the car. It used the familiar 177 cubic inch (2.9-liter) four-cylinder engine producing about 20 horsepower, paired with Ford’s two-speed planetary transmission operated by foot pedals. With a top speed of around 35–40 mph, it was practical for city driving and rural travel alike. The chassis retained the Model T’s rugged simplicity, with transverse leaf spring suspension front and rear, making it durable enough for the rough roads of the era.

The Coupe was priced slightly higher than the open models due to its more complex bodywork, but Ford’s relentless focus on production efficiency still kept costs within reach of ordinary buyers. For many customers, it offered the best of both worlds: the affordability of the Model T with the added dignity and practicality of an enclosed car. By the 1920s, the Coupe had become a popular choice among doctors, business owners, and women drivers, who valued its enclosed protection and easy operation.

Today, the Ford Model T Coupe is remembered as one of the most charming and enduring body styles of the T lineup. Collectors value it for its distinctive appearance and its role in broadening the appeal of the Model T beyond basic open transport. As one of the early affordable closed cars, the Coupe helped introduce the idea that automobiles could be more than just utilitarian machines—they could also offer comfort, security, and a touch of style. It stands as an important step in the evolution of personal motoring.